YSL stores to close as mark of respect

Yves Saint Laurent

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Yves Saint Laurent stores will be closed between 2.30pm and 4.30pm tomorrow as a mark of respect to the designer who died on Sunday.

The YSL stores on London's Bond Street and Sloane Street will be closed tomorrow afternoon when Yves Saint Laurent's funeral will take place in Paris.

Tributes to Saint Laurent, one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century, have continued to flood in since his passing from brain cancer at the weekend.

YSL chief executive Valerie Hermann said of Saint Laurent: "His unmatched genius revolutionized the world of fashion and left on it an inimitable mark. We are profoundly saddened by his passing, yet also humbled by the great heritage he leaves with us. The DNA of a brand is essential, and Stefano Pilati and I will do all in our power to preserve it."

Gucci Group chief executive Robert Polet added: "This genius creator challenged codes and norms in reinventing French elegance and thereby established Paris as a grand capital of fashion. His death leaves us with a great void but also a sublime heritage. We extend our condolences and sincere affection to Pierre Berge, who accompanied Monsieur Saint Laurent on his ascent and contributed significantly to it, and to all of the clients who have been faithful to this man and to the house that bears his name."